Three Things to Like About New Kentucky Basketball Commit Jayden Quaintance

Kentucky got landed a big-time recruit as five-star center Jayden Quaintance chose the Wildcats over the Missouri Tigers.

Quaintance is ranked as the number eight player in 247Sports composite rankings for the 2024 class.

This was a back-and-forth recruiting battle where some weeks it felt like he would be a Tiger, and some weeks it felt like he would be a Wildcat.

But as he usually does, Kentucky head coach John Calipari won in the end as Quaintance chose to play his college hoops in Lexington.

The best news about landing Quaintance is that part of his reclassification to the 2024 class means he isn't draft-eligible until 2026, so he will be in Lexington for two seasons.

Here are three things to like about Quaintance.

He dunks everything

Go watch Quaintance's highlights. Read what scouts are saying about him. He's "one of the most naturally talented prospects in the country" and is "a major lob and tip-dunk threat."

He's got great bounce for a 6-foot-9, 230-pound center, and he's looking to throw down everything he can.

Work ethic

Quaintance was asked on his Instagram live about what kind of player the Kentucky Wildcats are getting in himself.

A hard worker that wants to win.

“A worker. I want to win," Quaintance said. "Doing all I can to get to the national champions for both years I’m there.”

Physicality alongside Somto Cyril

Both Quaintance and Cyril are aggressive, high-flying centers who utilize their physicality on both ends of the floor. Kentucky already has what should be a very fun duo at center next season with the two.

It will be interesting to see how Kentucky uses them, whether it be in a rotation or possibly beside each other. I'm doubtful about the latter, but anything is possible with Calipari.

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